Match Overview

The Matchday 3 fixture of the 2025/26 group stage will see Feyenoord (Netherlands) host Panathinaikos (Greece) on October 23rd at De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam. This article provides a comprehensive match preview, including predictions, betting odds, and key statistics for Feyenoord vs Panathinaikos.

Feyenoord

Feyenoord’s Recent Form

The Dutch side has suffered defeats in their two previous Europa League fixtures, losing 0-1 to Braga and 0-2 to Aston Villa. This marks their worst start in a European competition since the 2017/18 season. Feyenoord is currently on a four-match winless streak in the Europa League, having drawn twice before these two losses. Notably, the team has failed to score in their last two outings in the competition, a stark contrast to their preceding seven-match scoring run in the tournament. Furthermore, they have conceded goals in five consecutive Europa League games. Robin van Persie’s men are currently languishing in 35th place in the overall standings.

Feyenoord Key Statistics

• Under 2.5 goals were scored in 5 of Feyenoord’s last 6 Europa League matches.
• At home in this tournament, the team has avoided defeat in 6 of their last 7 games (4 wins, 2 draws).
• The club has conceded in 9 of their last 12 home Europa League matches.

Feyenoord’s Provisional Lineup (4-3-3)*

Timon Wellenreuther – Gjivai Zechiël, Anel Ahmedhodžić, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Gijs Smal – Sem Steijn, Hwang In-beom, Luciano Valente – Ayase Ueda, Anis Hadj-Moussa, Leo Sauer.

Feyenoord Injury Report

Defenders Gernot Trauner, Thomas Beelen, Malcom Esajas, and midfielders Quinten Timber, Jakub Moder are injured.

Panathinaikos

Panathinaikos’ Recent Form

The Greek team suffered a 2-1 home defeat against Go Ahead Eagles in the previous round, bringing an end to their impressive six-match unbeaten run in the Europa League (3 wins, 3 draws). This was also the first time in their last 10 games in this competition that they conceded more than one goal. Panathinaikos has managed to score in 3 of their last 4 Europa League matches. Christos Kontis’s squad currently sits in 12th position in the league standings.

Panathinaikos Key Statistics

• In 4 of their last 5 away Europa League matches, the Greeks kept a clean sheet.
• Away from home, the team is unbeaten in their last 5 matches in this tournament (3 wins, 2 draws).
• Panathinaikos has scored in 5 of their last 7 away Europa League encounters.

Panathinaikos’ Provisional Lineup (4-5-1)* 

Alban Lafont – Ahmed Touba, Giannis Kotsiras, Erik Palmer-Brown, Giorgos Kyriakopoulos – Martins Tetê, Anastasios Bakasetas, Anass Zaroury, Pedro Chirivella, Adam Gnezda-Čerin – Karol Świderski.

Panathinaikos Injury Report

Midfielders Renato Sanches, Facundo Pellistri, forward Cyriel Dessers, and defender Giorgos Kyriakopoulos are unavailable due to injuries.

Referee Analysis

Match Official: Harm Osmers

Harm Osmers (Germany)

• Matches officiated – 10 (International matches, 2024/25 – 2025/26);
• Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 53;
• Average yellow cards per match – 5.3;
• Red cards shown – 2;
• Average fouls per match – 22;
• Penalties awarded – 40%.

Match Prediction: Feyenoord – Panathinaikos

Feyenoord’s Current Struggles

The Dutch side has failed to deliver a victory for their supporters in the Europa League for five consecutive matches, and they are yet to open their scoring account in the current tournament. Prior to their clash with Aston Villa, Feyenoord had been unbeaten at home for six matches in this competition (4 wins, 2 draws). However, two of those victories were by a minimal margin, and while there were also two dominant wins during this period, their opponents in those games were notably subpar.

Panathinaikos’ Defensive Strength

It’s probable that the Greeks simply underestimated their opponent in the last round. The defeat to another Dutch representative brought an end to Panathinaikos’ prolonged unbeaten streak in the Europa League. Nevertheless, on the road in the Europa League, the club has remained undefeated in five consecutive matches (3 wins, 2 draws), conceding only one goal during this impressive run. Their solid defensive performance will be an additional advantage for Christos Kontis’s squad. It’s also worth noting that two of their three previous away defeats in this European competition were by a single goal margin.

Final Betting Pick

My prediction: Panathinaikos with a (+1.5) handicap at odds of 1.48

Article Author

Author: Aleksey Tarabrin

Squad Note

* The starting lineup listed for each team is from their previous match in this tournament.